STRANDED SEA LIONS RELEASED TO WILD

Nine sea lion pups were returned to the wild Tuesday at Border Field State Beach after stints in rehabilitation at SeaWorld.

The pups washed up on beaches between La Jolla and Oceanside during March. They were the among the latest to receive care at the marine park during a record-setting surge in strandings throughout Southern California.

More than 1,300 pups have been rescued in the region, and SeaWorld has taken in almost 360. Strandings have tapered off in recent weeks, marine officials said, although more than 130 pups remain under care at SeaWorld.

Scientists are still trying to pinpoint the cause of these strandings.